Bill Cobbs’ story proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams. After serving in the Air Force and working various jobs, he took a leap of faith at 36 to pursue acting – a decision that would make his face one of the most recognizable in Hollywood. The beloved character actor, who passed away at 90, leaves behind a treasure trove of performances that enriched every project he touched.
From his breakout in 1974’s subway thriller “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” to scene-stealing turns in “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum,” Cobbs became that rare actor audiences felt they knew personally. His niece Bethany’s recent birthday photo – showing him smiling in his favorite recliner – captures the warmth he brought both onscreen and off. Social media overflowed with tributes, one fan noting: “He wasn’t a star – he was something better. He was part of our family.”
What made Cobbs special was his everyman quality. Whether playing Morgan Freeman’s wise friend in “The Bucket List” or the grumpy store owner in “That Thing You Do!”, he never seemed to be acting – just being. After serving his country and then entertaining millions, this late-blooming legend proved that the most meaningful careers aren’t about fame, but about touching hearts.
